EMQ’s With Ophanim
EMQ’s With Ophanim
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Scottish Alt/ Progressive Metal duo, Ophanim. Huge thanks to their Guitarist/ Vocalist, Ewan Marr, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Ewan Marr and I do guitar and vocals. Our ‘small’ band, Ophanim started out after my and the drummer’s previous band fell apart. The two-piece idea was conceived as a joke at first, since we weren’t in any other bands at the time, but it seemed the joke went a bit too far since here we are, competing in Metal 2 The Masses!
How did you come up with your band name?
The name “Ophanim” comes from one of the ranks of the biblical angels. It’s this entity comprised of these golden wheels with eyes and it’s the most unsettling image ever to be drawn from the Old Testament. It was the name of one of my songs for our previous band, which is very much different from the song ‘Ophanim’ now.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
We are from Edinburgh, Scotland. The local music scene here is strange to me because it seems so quiet and small but in reality, it’s quite colourful and constantly busy. I’m still quite new to the scene but truly, I love it with every bit of my heart.
What is your latest release?
Well I’m glad you asked! Our latest release is our single ‘Beezlebub’ which is releasing on the 3rd of February!
Who have been your greatest influences?
My influences is all over the place. I’m a bit fan of Megadeth and a lot of the great Thrash bands, but my two main influences are Sepultura and Zeal & Ardor. They are groundbreaking in their own respected genres and should be studied for song writing. I saw Dave Grohl always compares a lot of the Foo Fighters albums to Sepultura “Roots” and see how it measures up to it which is a brilliant story which I can relate to.
Joplin (the other half of Ophanim, very important), has equally strange influences which ranges from Funk Rock, Blues Rock, Stoner Rock, Industrial Metal, Blackened Metal, Melodic Death Metal, Synth Pop, Darkwave / EDM / House, etc. Her favourite artists are Prince and Nine Inch Nails… what a difference!
What first got you into music?
For me, it was my father. If it wasn’t for my dad being a massive music fan, I wouldn’t be who I am today. The album that got me really into metal is Metallica’s “Black Album” as the song writing was dynamic and very expressive.
Joplin was brought up on a lot of Rock music, but she’s more into Synth and Metal.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Oh, Renovations for sure! They are an Electro-Grunge band from Edinburgh and the sound they produce is truly staggering. Me and Joplin are massive fans of them, and we both would love to work with them.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Bloodstock because… it’s awesome, do I need to answer myself? Ophanim is currently competing in M2TM for a chance to perform in Bloodstock so who knows, maybe that dream will be a reality?
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Their undying devotion to me, almost. I personally have two young lads who were asking me so many questions after our set about odd time signatures and “how do you do them?” but when they were talking to Joplin, it was only “good set by the way…” despite her being the one who writes all the cool and strange stuff with odd time signatures. It is so angry inducing because she is literally the other half of Ophanim, equally as important.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Wear earplugs please. I’m quite young but already partially deaf with tinnitus. That shit is annoying as anything.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
That’s a hard question. I suppose it’ll be Jimi Hendrix as I still feel as he had a lot more to offer.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I enjoy the creation of music, but I also hate how pretentious music can be. It almost ruins music.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Wish studios were more affordable and assessable to younger musicians. Obviously, that can’t happen but one can only dream.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“From Mars to Sirus” by Gojira is something every metal musician or Metal fan should listen to, at least once. I wouldn’t have a musical career if it wasn’t for this album.
Joplin’s favourite album “The Downward Spiral” by Nine Inch Nails. Awesome concept album, worst album to have sex to though.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Vinyl, Black Sabbath sounds incredible through vinyl. Joplin has her stack of CD’s which amuses me because I don’t think anyone uses them anymore!
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Well I seen Metallica in Manchester and that pretty much help set me on my path but oddly enough, one of my favourite gigs was Gorillaz in Glasgow. They were so good!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Probably a writer of sorts. I always enjoyed writing my own stories and won a few competitions for it. Writing helps me express what I wouldn’t normally say vocally. It is very much a release for me.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Joplin, my sister, Me, myself and I. Five people is a riot for me!
What’s next for the band?
World domination of course! We are wanting to release one more single and the release our debut EP to the world so that is our plans for this year.
Q. What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
https://linktr.ee/ophanim_official
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
Are you describing a roll or am I being incredibly thick? Next question…
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Our EP sounds awesome!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
